Articles Index
Laryngeal Nerve
The laryngeal nerve is the section of the vagus nerve that splits into two branches at the larynx (the voice box). Damage to or paralysis of the laryngeal nerve can affect the larynx and result in damage to or loss of voice, and less commonly, difficulty breathing. Also called the recurrent laryngeal nerve.
Atrial Fibrillation
A very rapid and abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) caused by irregular electrical signals in the upper chambers (the atria) of the heart. The result is a disorganized, uncoordinated rhythm between heartbeat and pulse rate that can sometimes be felt as palpitations. In some thyroid patients, hyperthyroidism -- and overactive thyroid -- can be a cause of atrial fibrillation. Also known as auricular fibrillation, atrial fib, and a-fib
Hypoparathyroidism
Hypoparathyroidism is a condition where the parathyroid glands (four small glands located next to the thyroid gland) are underfunctioning, producing too little parathyroid hormone, known as parathormone, or PTH. A parathormone deficiency results in low blood calcium, and a condition called hypocalcemia. Hypoparathyroidism can be due to damage to the glands from thyroid or neck surgery, autoimmune disease, surgical removal of the parathyroids, or congenital.
Ablation - Thyroid Disease Glossary Definition
Ablation - Thyroid Disease Glossary Definition -- Ablation usually means removal, typically surgical removal. When the thyroid is surgically removed, that's called surgical ablation for the thyroid. When radioactive iodine is used as a treatment for an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), with the purpose of reversing the overactivity, this is referred to as radioactive ablation.
Goiter (Goitre)
Goiter is a non-cancerous enlargement of the thyroid gland. The enlargement may be visible, especially as a swelling in the front of the neck. Goiter can result from iodine deficiency, a viral or bacterial inflammation of the thyroid, autoimmune thyroid disease, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism,or nodules, among other causes. Also called struma.
Ophthalmopathy, Graves' Ophthalmopathy
The term ophthalmopathy refers to any disease of the eye. Graves' ophthalmopathy, or thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) refers to an autoimmune disease of the eyes that is frequently seen in Graves' disease patients. Also known as thyroid ophthalmopathy, thyroid-related ophthalmopathy, thyroid eye disease (TED), thyroid orbitopathy, thyroid-related orbitopathy.
Triiodothyronine - T3
Triiodothyronine: this term defined, part of the Thyroid Disease Terminology Glossary, from Mary Shomon, thyroid guide
Wilson's Syndrome
Wilson's syndrome: this term defined, part of the Thyroid Disease Terminology Glossary, from Mary Shomon, thyroid guide
Thyroid Gland
Thyroid gland: this term defined, part of the Thyroid Disease Terminology Glossary, from Mary Shomon, thyroid guide
T4 to T3 Conversion
T4 to T3 conversion: this term defined, part of the Thyroid Disease Terminology Glossary, from Mary Shomon, thyroid guide